Local News
Green Light – Governor Lifts Flash Flood Warning as Tropical Storm Philippe Recedes from BVI
British Virgin Islands Governor John Rankin has officially lifted the flash flood warning status on Wednesday afternoon and urged drivers to remain cautious of rockfall and flooding as Tropical Storm Philippe moves away from the territory.
“Starting at 1:00 in the afternoon, I gave the green light for the Territory. However, caution is still required. Rockfalls, pools of water, and other potential hazards can still pose a threat to motorists, so everyone who decides to drive today should exercise extreme caution,” announced Governor Rankin on October 14.
Tropical Storm Philippe, which formed over 10 days ago in the Atlantic Ocean, delivered substantial rainfall of up to three to four inches in certain communities and parts of the Leeward Islands.
Philippe boasts maximum sustained winds of 45 mph with occasional higher gusts, and is situated approximately 715 miles south of Bermuda.
On Wednesday morning, government buildings, airports, schools, and businesses remained closed as the British Virgin Islands was placed under a flash flood warning.
Governor Rankin added that “winds and rain caused by Tropical Storm Philippe have reduced significantly. I can also report that in those areas where flooding was observed last night and this morning, the waters have drained away.”
The Governor expressed gratitude towards all essential workers who diligently cleared debris, restored power to affected areas, and ensured the safety of the community throughout the storm.
He also commended the Director of Disaster Management and his team for their coordinated response efforts.
“Many thanks to all of our essential workers who have worked hard to clear debris, restore power to those areas where it was lost, and ensure we were able to get through this storm as safely as possible. My thanks also to the Director of Disaster Management and his team for their efforts in coordinating our collective response. For now, be sure to continue monitoring updates and stay safe.”
The territory will continue to closely monitor updates regarding the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. Philippe is the 16th named storm of the season and the 17th to achieve tropical storm status.
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British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
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